Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Refined 348 Evolution
In the celebrated lineage of Ferrari’s road cars, the 348 GTB/GTS/Spider, introduced in 1993, stands as a refined evolution—a mid-engine sports car that enhanced the original 348 TB/TS with a 3.4-liter V8 and updated variants. Crafted by Pininfarina, this trio saw 2,319 units produced—1,146 GTB coupes, 1,014 GTS targas, and 159 Spider convertibles—succeeding the initial 348 TB/TS’s 1989 debut. These models blended improved performance, sharper handling, and the marque’s first factory convertible since the Daytona Spyder, cementing Ferrari’s mid-engine GT legacy.
The year 1993 was a vibrant period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—F40, 512 TR—complementing road car innovation. Unveiled at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show (Spider) and Frankfurt Motor Show (GTB/GTS), the 348 GTB/GTS/Spider captivated with their sleek updates and boosted power. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores their technical advancements, iconic styling, subtle racing ties, and enduring legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s Mid-Engine GT Refinement
The Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider emerged during a dynamic era for Maranello. By 1993, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—456 GT’s luxury, 512 TR’s power—had solidified its stature, yet the company sought to refine the 348 platform launched in 1989. The original 348 TB/TS’s 8,844-unit run (1989-1994) had modernized Ferrari’s mid-engine GTs, but its handling and power delivery drew critique. The 348 GTB/GTS/Spider, with a 320 hp V8, revised suspension, and the Spider’s open-top allure, answered, targeting enthusiasts and collectors while rivaling Porsche’s 911 Turbo and Lamborghini’s Diablo.
A total of 2,319 units were built (1993-1994)—1,146 GTB coupes, 1,014 GTS targas, and 159 Spider convertibles—reflecting focused production. Chassis 99349 (GTB prototype), 99351 (GTS prototype), and 95597 (Spider prototype) debuted at Geneva and Frankfurt in 1993, their refined forms signaling evolution. This was a car for a diverse audience—European drivers, American buyers—its production balancing exclusivity with Ferrari’s prestige amid Italy’s early-1990s economic recovery.
The broader context of 1993 shaped its purpose. The sports car market thrived—Porsche 959, Maserati Biturbo—while open-top designs gained favor. The 348 GTB/GTS/Spider bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the 328 GTB/GTS, with a refined mid-engine GT trio.
Technical Specifications: The V8’s Enhanced Power
The Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider’s heart was its 3.4-liter V8—a refined evolution of the original 348’s engine, optimized for power and responsiveness. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 3.4-Liter Quattrovalvole V8
Displacing 3,405 cc (bore 85 mm, stroke 75 mm), the 348 GTB/GTS/Spider’s V8 was a longitudinal, all-aluminum unit with a 90-degree V-angle, featuring four valves per cylinder (double overhead camshafts per bank), a 10.8:1 compression ratio, and Bosch Motronic M2.7 fuel injection. It produced 320 horsepower at 7,200 rpm (European spec) or 312 hp at 7,200 rpm (US spec)—a 20 hp gain over the 348 TB/TS’s 300 hp. Weighing 300 lbs, it delivered 238 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.
This engine was a GT standout. Chassis 96543, a 1993 Spider, showcased its high-revving potency, balancing refinement with spirited performance.
Performance: Enhanced GT Speed
The 348 GTB reached 174 mph (280 km/h), GTS 172 mph (277 km/h), and Spider 171 mph (275 km/h)—verified by Autocar’s 1993 test—outpacing the 348 TB’s 171 mph, with 0-60 mph times of ~5.3 seconds (GTB), ~5.4 seconds (GTS), and ~5.5 seconds (Spider). Its power-to-weight ratio (234 hp/ton European, 228 hp/ton US) improved over the 348 TB (215 hp/ton), offering a livelier GT experience.
Chassis and Suspension: Mid-Engine Precision
The chassis was a tubular steel monocoque with subframes, weighing 1,370 kg (3,020 lbs) for GTB, 1,390 kg (3,064 lbs) for GTS, and 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) for Spider—lighter than the 348 TB/TS due to optimized design. Its 2,450 mm wheelbase matched its predecessor, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones with coil springs front and rear—delivering sharper handling and improved stability.
Transmission and Brakes: Dynamic Control
A 5-speed manual gearbox—transverse-mounted—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.82, 5th: 0.93) favoring versatility. Braking relied on 14-inch ventilated disc brakes with ABS, delivering 1.0g deceleration—robust for its weight.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.4L V8, 320 hp @ 7,200 rpm (312 hp US) |
| Displacement | 3,405 cc (85 mm x 75 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~174 mph (GTB) / 172 mph (GTS) / 171 mph (Spider) |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.3 sec (GTB) / 5.4 sec (GTS) / 5.5 sec (Spider) |
| Weight | 1,370 kg (GTB) / 1,390 kg (GTS) / 1,400 kg (Spider) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, mid-engine transverse |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Suspension (Rear) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs, 14-inch, ABS |
Design and Styling: Pininfarina’s Refined Update
The Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider’s aesthetic was a Pininfarina refinement of the original 348 TB/TS.
Exterior: Sharpened GT Lines
Pininfarina built all 2,319 units—chassis 99349 (GTB) featured a sharper nose, revised strakes, and cleaner lines, finished in Rosso Corsa, while 99351 (GTS) offered a targa top and 95597 (Spider) a full convertible roof. Its 2,450 mm wheelbase and steel body (with aluminum panels) maintained the 348’s aggressive stance, with updated grilles and wheels enhancing its modern appeal.
Interior: Modern GT Comfort
The cabin was a driver’s retreat: leather bucket seats (black or tan), a gated shifter, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (8,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 96543’s interior, with slight upgrades over the 348 TB/TS, balanced sportiness with comfort, contrasting the 512 TR’s raw focus.
Production and Variants: A Refined GT Trio
The Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider’s 2,319-unit run (1993-1994) included 1,146 GTB coupes, 1,014 GTS targas, and 159 Spider convertibles, with special editions like the Serie Speciale (100 units). Chassis 99349 (GTB), 99351 (GTS), and 95597 (Spider) launched the series, while 99073 closed it, transitioning to the F355. Its focus remained road performance—no racing versions emerged.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Road-Bred Performer
The Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider racing history was minimal, its road-going ethos dominant. Chassis 96219 (Spider), tuned to 330 hp, ran private track events, but no official races ensued. Its true domain was scenic routes—Amalfi Coast, Pacific Coast—where its 174 mph (GTB) top speed and agile handling shone.
Ownership and Market Value: A Refined Classic
The Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider value reflects its refined appeal. Early owners included European enthusiasts and U.S. collectors. Today, prices range $70,000-$100,000—chassis 95597 sold for $95,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V8 rebuilds at $90,000—highlight its enduring popularity.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s Mid-Engine GT Bridge
The 348 GTB/GTS/Spider refined Ferrari’s mid-engine GT lineage, its V8 and open-top Spider influencing the F355. In 1990s lore, it’s the car of sleek performance and open-air allure, a bridge between the original 348 and Ferrari’s modern GTs.
Comparisons: Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider vs Rivals
The Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider vs Porsche 911 Turbo pits 320 hp V8 against 360 hp flat-6—Ferrari led in style, Porsche in power. The Lamborghini Diablo (492 hp) outpaced it but trailed in refinement.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider | 3.4L V8 | 320 hp | 1,370-1,400 kg | ~174/172/171 mph |
| Porsche 911 Turbo | 3.6L Flat-6 Turbo | 360 hp | 1,470 kg | ~174 mph |
| Lamborghini Diablo | 5.7L V12 | 492 hp | 1,576 kg | ~202 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari 348 GTB/GTS/Spider?
A 1993 3.4L V8 mid-engine sports car trio.
How many were made?
2,319 units (1,146 GTB, 1,014 GTS, 159 Spider).
What engine powered it?
3,405 cc V8, 320 hp (312 hp US).
Did it race?
Rarely—built for road use.
What’s its value?
$70,000-$100,000.
